Church volunteer accused of assaulting 2 girls

Matthew J. Harder is accused of engaging in sexual conduct with two 15-year-old girls on separate occasions in December and January. (Lake County sheriff // Handout)

An 18-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting two girls he knew through his church is expected to remain in jail for now.

A judge this afternoon declined a request to lower the bond for Matthew J. Harder, of Round Lake Beach, who authorities said is accused of engaging in sexual conduct with two 15-year-old girls. The alleged actions occurred in November and January.

In announcing Harder’s arrest on Friday, the Lake County Sheriff’s department described Harder in a press release as a “youth worship leader” at Chain of Lakes Community Bible Church in Lake Villa.

In Lake County court today, Harder’s attorney called that description of Harder’s role at the church “an overstatement,” saying he was involved in the church as a music leader.

Reached by phone later, Pastor Kerry Bauman of Chain of Lakes church said Harder was a volunteer with the church’s youth ministry. He did not say if Harder was in a leadership role.

"We care about Matthew and everyone involved in this," said Bauman. He declined to say more, explaining that a detective advised him not to talk about the case.

Authorities have said the two girls reported to church officials on Jan. 25 that the alleged conduct occurred when Harder was driving them home from the church separately.

Harder’s bond is set at $250,000. He did not speak during his court appearance, at which he was dressed in jail scrubs.

In seeking a lower bond today, Harder’s attorney said Harder has no criminal history and noted his parents were in the courtroom. They declined comment after the hearing.